Manual massaging device



July 29,1947.

A. R. MARTY MANUAL MASSAGING DEVICE Filed Nov. 14, 1945 y M R 0 T T A W 4 M Patented July 29, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFECE MANUAL MASSAGING DEVICE Amos R. Marty, Marion, Ohio Application November 14, 1945, Serial No. 628,406

6 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a manual massaging device and more particularly to electrical means for combined massage, light and heat therapy.

Among the objects of the invention is to provide a compact means for electrically applying vibration and massage with heat and light, simultaneously or separately, to living human tissue.

Another object is to protect the radiant element from the disruptive effects of the vibratory mechanism.

Another object is to accelerate the circulation of the blood, stimulate the muscular and vascular systems and build up the nerve force of the human body.

Another object is to provide a more soothing massaging movement than the hammering effect common to most vibrators in this art.

Other objects and advantages will appear as the description proceeds. In the specification and the accompanying drawings, the invention is disclosed in its preferred form. But it is to be understood that it is not limited to this form, because it may be embodied in modifications within the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims following the description.

In the one sheet of drawings:

Fig. 1 is a vertical section on the line I-I, Fig. 2, of a manual device constructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view from above of the same.

Fig. 3 is a, fragmentary detail in front elevation of the massaging assembly.

, Fig. 4 is an end view of the same from below.

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic wiring diagram of the electric circuits.

In detail the structure shown in Fig. 1, comprises the base portion, preferably molded as an integral unit, having the semicircular under handle I extending laterally from the cylindrical head 2, open at the bottom 3 and having the horizontal bridge 4 extending across the top. This bridge has the tubular axial pivot 5 extending upwardly therefrom.

The stem 6 extends upwardly and is slidable within this pivot and has the square portion 1 vertically guided in a square hole in the pivot 5. This stem has the integral bafiie head 8. The expansion spring 9 is interposed between this head and the bridge 4. The upper end of the stem is threaded to receive the knurled nut III, for vertically adjusting the stem 6 against the tension of the spring. The nut bears against the top of the upper portion of the cover I2, having the handle extension I3 registering with the lower handle I and combining therewith to form an enclosing casing for the motive assembly. The cover is attached to the base by-the several screws such as I4, threaded in the sockets H5 in the margins of the base.

The oscillating sleeve 16 surrounds the pivot 5 and has the upper and lower antifriction bearings I'I, I8 interposed therebetween. This sleeve has the lateral crank I9, channel shape in crosssection. The sleeve is held in adjusted position by the nut 20 threaded on the upper end of the pivot 5, and bears against the top bearing II.

The head 8 has the axial socket 2! adapted to receive the end of the bulb 22 and make prop-er electrical contact therewith. This bulb is adjusted vertically by the nut It, relative to the lower end of the head 2.

Referring to Fig. '3, the sleeve I6, has the vertical lugs 23, 24 integral therewith. These lugs terminate in the segmental heads 25, 26, having external grooves therein at 27, 28. These grooves interlock with the beads formed on the inner faces of the segments 29, fithat are integral with the massaging ring 3|, adapted to engage the skin of the patient being treated. This ring may be round, oval or variously shaped to meet the desired results. In the present instance the ring has the hemispherical protrusions 32 to produce a stretching and kneading effect on the skin.

The lugs 23, 24 have the finger grips 33, 34 protruding into the openings 35, 35 through the wall of the head 2. By pinching the finger grips between the thumb and forefinger the lugs 23, 24, may be bent inwardly, to engage and disengage them from the massage ring at 27, 28. I

The motor 31 is adjustably mounted within the handle I, I3 and has the forward end of its shaft projecting within the channel of the crank I9. This end of the shaft is squared or splined to receive the socket 323, longitudinally slidable thereon. The inner end of the socket has the separated flanges 39, 39, thereon.

The trigger 4| is pivoted'at 42 to the base, and extends below the handle adjacent the head 2, and has the upwardly extending arm 43 with a yoke head 44, engaging between the flanges 3'9, 39 for advancing or retracting the socket 38. The spring detent 45 mounted in the base engages notches in the trigger to latch it in adjusted position. The inner end of the socket 38 has the eccentric antifriction roller 48 mounted thereon and engaging the sides of the crank channel at I9, whereby, this crank is oscillated radially in a plane parallel with the surface of the patients skin being treated.

Referring to Fig. 5, the electric current flows from the generator, not shown, over the wire 40, through the rheostat 41, across the switch 48, through the motor 31, and over the wires 49, 58, back to the source. Also over the wire across the switch 52, through the filament 53 of the lamp 22 and the Wire 54 to the return wire 50. The] switches 43, 52 are combined within the housing 55 within the handle cover l3 and controlled by the exposed sliding button 53. The switch is so arranged that the motor and filament circuits can be energized independently. That is, the motor and filament may be operative simultaneously, or either may be operated without the other.

The head 2 has perforations such as 51, with similar openings 58 through the cover l3, for ventilation to carry off the heat generated by the filament 53, the greater volume of which is directed downwardly and absorbed by the skin of the patient. The motor 31 is similarly cooled by ventilation through the trigger opening at 59 and upward through the cover openings 58. The under area of the head 8, acts as a baflle to confine the radiated heat of the filament within the head 2, to assist in maintaining the handle l, 53 at .a comfortable temperature.

This invention operates substantially as follows: The operator grasps the handle l, #3 and gently applies the massage ring 3| to the skin surface of the patient, with the motor 31 running. The eccentric roller 46 causes the crank assembly l6-3l to oscillate, exerting a rubbing and twisting action on the skin as the massage ring 3i is moved about over the skin surface. This novel oscillating action on the skin tends to open the pores and stimulate the underlyin nervous system and blood circulation in the capillary and venous net work, promoting increased circulation of the blood in the deeper arterial and vascular system because of the localized nervous activity. This in turn is communicated to the whole sympathetic nervous system with a tonic efiect on the whole body of the patient, tending to remove the cause of any local discomfort in the region being treated. The oscillation of the massage ring 3|, is soothing and relaxing, relieves muscular and nervous tension, a symptom of much so called disease. practice of hammering the skin with the usual electric vibrators, the vibratory impact of which sets up a defensive tension in the tissues to resist the attack.

Where such therapeutic treatment is indicated, the switch 52 is closed to energize the infra-red filament 53, the rays of which are directed downwardly through the center opening of the ring 3|, and penetrate the underlying tissues of the patient. The depth of penetration of the rays and the proximity of the heat applied to the skin is regulated by raising or lowering the bulb 22 by turning the nut H! to the selected extent. The volume of heat emanating from the filament 53, is regulated by the rheostat M. This bulb may be silvered or provided with a suitable gold plated parabolic reflector 60 above to direct all the rays downwardly of the enclosed or open filament at 53.

The bulb form of heat source is preferred, but

open filaments, and a variety of light rays such as ultra-violet and distinfectantblue lights and other forms of light and heat therapeutic elements may be substituted for the bulb 22.

A wide variety of massaging rings such as 3|, are provided as accessories, rangingfrom a relatively small skin contact, for restricting the application of massage and heat therapy to a small area, accentuated by lowering the filament 53, up

Differing materially from the common to diameters greater than shown in Fig. 4. For facial and anatomical regions having underlying bone structures, resilient massaging faces maybe provided on the ring base 3|.

Because of the lateral movement and pressure imposed upon the ring 3|, it is important that it be securely attached at 21, 28. It is equally important that it be easily detached when desired, for substitution and for sterilization before use upon other patients.

A particular advantage of the oscillating massage movement, is the absence of mechanical vibration destructive to the heat element 53, which in the present instance is mounted on the static bridge 4 independent of the vibratory or oscillating assembly I6--3l.

The degree of oscillation may be increased or diminished at the will of the operator, by moving the trigger 4!, to advance or retreat the eccentric 23 relative to the length of the crank l 9 While a rotary motive means 31 has been shown, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art, that the crank !9 could be caused to vibrate between two opposed magnets alternately energized; or the oscillation may be accomplished by equivalent means, without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims.

All of the enclosing structure and much of the operative internal structure is designed to be formed in molded plastics or similar dielectric and thermo-insulating materials, except Where friction and wear require appropriate materials.

Having thus described this invention and its mode oi operation what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A manual massaging device comprising a base having an axial pivot thereon; an oscillatin" member mounted on said pivot; a massaging member mounted on said oscillating member; means for mechanically oscillating said oscillating member; and means for varying the amplitude of oscillation of said oscillating member.

2. A manual massaging device comprising a handle base having a head; an axial pivot on said base and alined with said head a sleeve rotatable on said pivot and having a lateral crank; a motive means in the handle of said base and actuating said crank; means for varying the arc of oscillation of said crank; a massaging member on said sleeve beyond said head and having an opening therethrough; and a therapeutic element within said head and having a stem longitudinally adiustable in said pivot, relative to said massaging member. 2 V I 3. A manual massaging device comp-risinga handle base having an angular head; an axial pivot onsaid base and aiined with-said head; a sleeve rotatable on said pivot; a motive means inthe handle of said base and oscillating said sleeve; means for varying the arc of said oscillation; a

massaging member on said sleeve beyond saidcrank; a motivemeans in the handle of said base. and having an eccentric engagement w,ith.said.

crank and oscillating said sleeve; means for varying the amplitude of the oscillations of said sleeve; a massaging member on said sleeve beyond said head and having an opening therethrough; and a therapeutic element mounted in and adjustable longitudinally of said head relatively to said massaging member.

5. A manual massaging device comprising a handle base having an angular head; an axial pivot on said base and alined with said head; a sleeve rotatable on said pivot and having a lateral crank; a motive means in the handle of said base and having an eccentric engagement with said crank and oscillating said sleeve; a trigger means pivoted to said base and actuating said eccentric engagement and Varying the stroke of said eccentric; a massaging member on said sleeve beyond said head and having an opening therethrough; and a therapeutic element mounted Within and adjustable longitudinally of said head relatively to said massaging member.

6. A manual massaging device comprising a handle base having an angular head; an axial AMOS. R. MARTY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,203,976 Aoyagi June 11, 1940 1,228,669 Hardey June 5, 1917 1,746,893 Homan Feb. 11, 1930 1,707,366 Pasque Apr. 2, 1929 

